Mitsubishi Electric Expands Audio Signal Processor Line with New Electronic Volume Controllers for Audio, Video, PC, and Home Theater Systems

Business Wire, Jan 14, 2003

Business and Entertainment Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 14, 2003

New Sound Processors Cost-Effectively Upgrade

Multi-Channel Sound Quality

The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., introduced two multi-channel electronic volume controllers designed to cost-effectively upgrade next-generation consumer audio-video amplifiers and receivers, home theater systems, and PC audio systems to handle multi-channel surround sound media. The new M61527FP device features a 4 dB wider dynamic range than its predecessor, as well as harmonic distortion and noise improvements, while the M61533FP enables manufacturers to cost-effectively upgrade the electronic volume function in price-sensitive stereo systems to four channels.

"With consumers demanding that audio-video systems approximate the sound quality of movie theaters and concert halls, this challenges multi-channel entertainment system developers to deliver more impressive sound quality while keeping their systems affordable," said George Riehm, senior marketing manager for consumer products at Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. "Our new cost-effective electronic volume controllers greatly simplify the process of increasing the number of audio channels in some systems and boosting the 5.1-channel performance in others."

M61527FP

The M61527FP six-channel electronic volume controller dramatically improves upon its popular predecessor, the M61511FP. In addition to a wider dynamic range, the total harmonic distortion is reduced to 0.005 percent, resulting in higher quality sound. The noise output voltage is also reduced to 1.5 (mu)Vrms. The device integrates four-step input and output gain controllers for an additional response level up to 18 dB. The M61527FP also integrates a balance output and input attenuator for an external A/D converter. The three-line serial bus control gives designers a choice of connecting the device to either a 3.3-volt or 5-volt microcontroller (MCU).

M61533FP

The M61533FP is an integrated, independent four-channel electronic volume controller designed to enable manufacturers to upgrade their mini- and micro-component audio systems to handle four-channel surround media. With the addition of a stereo electronic volume chip, such as Mitsubishi Electric's M61510AFP, M61519FP, or M61524FP, customers can extend their systems to 5.1 channels.

The M61533FP has a wide dynamic range to enable precision adjustment of a broad range of volume levels. It also integrates into the subwoofer channel an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit to prevent clipping of the bass frequencies and a low-pass filter that developers can set externally. It has a four-step output gain control for response up to 12 dB and a two-line serial bus control so the device can be connected to an external microcontroller.

Packaging, Availability, and Pricing

The M61527FP is available in an 80-pin QFP package with a 0.8-mm pitch that occupies a 20-mm x 14-mm x 0.28-mm footprint. The M61533FP is available in a 20-pin SSOP package with a 0.65-mm pitch.

Samples of both devices will be available in January 2003, with volume production scheduled for June 2003. Pricing for the M61527FP and M61533FP is $4.00 each and $2.00 each, respectively, in sample quantities.

M61527FP Key Features:

-- Integrated wide dynamic range 6-channel independent electronic volume -- from 0 to -99 dB in 1 dB steps, and minus infinity (shut off)

-- Integrated 10-input selector with mute function

-- Four-line REC (record) output with mute function

-- Output noise voltage: 1.5 (mu)Vrms (Volume = minimum, Gain = 0 dB)

M61533FP Key Features:

-- Integrated independent 4-channel high-performance electronic

volume control -- from 0 to -87 dB in 1 dB steps, and minus

infinity (shut off)

-- Integrated AGC circuit (to prevent clipping) and integrated

input low pass filter in subwoofer channel

-- Integrated subwoofer channel output gain controller

-- Output noise voltage: 1.3 (mu)Vrms (SL/SR/C channels) (Volume

= minimum, Gain = 0 dB)

About Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.

Ranked among the top-tier worldwide semiconductor suppliers, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a leading manufacturer of application-specific standard products (ASSPs) for motor driver, TV, VCR, fax, disk drive, telephone, communications, and audio/video system applications, as well as standard linear and digital/analog interface ICs. Mitsubishi Electric's ASSPs are manufactured with extensive feature sets that meet specific application requirements and use a standard-cell design approach to reduce chip size, costs, and product development time. The company implements its ASSPs as standard ICs for multiple customers and maps them to singular or multiple applications.

Mitsubishi Electric offers an extensive range of semiconductor-based products and markets them to the North American marketplace through the Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.

Additional information on the Mitsubishi Electric Semiconductor Group is available at http://www.mitsubishichips.com/.>